Increased Endurance

So how does resveratrol increase endurance? Resveratrol, a sirtuin activator, increases the number of mitochondria in the cells of animals and humans. Mitochondria are the powerhouses of our cells (i.e. they are responsible for generating the cell’s energy). Not surprisingly, people with above average levels of mitochondria, such as cyclist Lance Armstrong, have above average levels of endurance.

Illustrating resveratrol’s effect on endurance, a recent study revealed that resveratrol fed mice have twice the endurance as mice not fed resveratrol (In the study, the resveratrol fed mice ran 100% farther than those not fed resveratrol).

The resveratrol fed mice also experienced ‘energy charged’ muscles and a low heart rate - characteristics linked with world class athletes. According to the study's lead scientist, Johan Auwerx, "Resveratrol makes you look like a trained athlete without the training".